In this session, Bob Stenhouse, a seasoned investigator with over 40 years of experience in criminal and workplace investigations, provides an in-depth analysis of the Leduc Fire Services class action lawsuit. The case, which involved historical sexual harassment, misconduct, and systemic workplace issues, is the largest of its kind in Canada against a municipal fire service.
Key Topics Covered:
- Background on the Leduc Case: A detailed look at the investigation, which began with two initial complainants and quickly expanded to include multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and systemic workplace culture issues.
- Challenges of Workplace Investigations: How fear, trauma, retaliation, and workplace culture impact investigations, particularly in paramilitary-style organizations like fire and police services.
- Lessons on Handling Sensitive Investigations: Best practices for managing confidentiality, addressing intimidation and retaliation, and maintaining the integrity of the investigative process.
- Credibility Assessments: An overview of the Veritas Solutions 12-factor approach to evaluating witness credibility in misconduct investigations.
- Trauma-Informed Investigation Practices: The importance of understanding trauma responses and incorporating trauma-informed methods into HR and workplace investigations.
- Legal and Media Considerations: The impact of investigations on public perception, social media exposure, and legal obligations, including the necessity of writing reports and correspondence as if they could be made public.
What Participants Will Learn:
- How to approach workplace investigations involving historical sexual harassment and systemic misconduct.
- The significance of workplace culture assessments as an alternative to formal investigations.
- How to mitigate risks related to intimidation, retaliation, and confidentiality breaches.
- The importance of trauma-informed practices in conducting fair and effective investigations.
- How HR professionals can enhance their investigative competency and when to engage third-party investigators.
This session is essential for HR professionals, workplace investigators, and business leaders looking to strengthen their approach to handling misconduct allegations and fostering safer, more accountable workplace environments.
